Under Impact, teachers and other educators are observed at schools five times each year and scored on a scale of 1 to 4, or "highly effective." But this school year, the 290 teachers who received "highly effective" ratings for the past two years and who earn an average of 3.5 on their first two evaluations this fall will have the option to waive the three remaining observations.

President for the Washington Teacher's Union Nathan Saunders applauded the protocol change. The union has fought many aspects Michelle Rhee's Impact program in court.

Spokesperson for D.C. Public Schools Scott Thompson told the Examiner the decision to change the policy was made based upon feedback from teachers and principals. At the end of the school year, the policy change will be evaluated.

This summer, the District let go of 227 teachers who received "ineffective" ratings under the Impact program. New school's chancellor Kaya Henderson, a former aide to Rhee, has taken a more diplomatic approach than her predecessor, but preserved many of her policies.